Hypnosis and its uses in the practice of hypnotherapy is rapidly emerging as a highly effective science in solving the problems of people. It can be very beneficial in many cases as a therapy in itself. It is a valuable adjunct in psychotherapy and psychiatry. Yet it is probably the lowest risk procedure available from the standpoint of contraindications.

Yet few therapeutic procedures are less understood, or more plagued by misconceptions and misunderstandings. Before considering what hypnosis is perhaps it would be appropriate to establish what it is not! Most hypnotherapists, on interviewing a new client/patient, will ask the client what he or she thinks hypnosis is. Replies range from sleep, unconscious, the surrendering of mental powers and control to magic and voodoo. All are in error. Hypnosis cannot be sleep. In most cases the subject is fully aware of communication and is able to respond on request either verbally or by signal. Nor is the unconsciousness involved. A subject asked to make a specific movement will comply with the request unless it is objectionable, in which case there will be a refusal. There is no surrender of mind or control. A person who does not want to be hypnotize cannot be hypnotized or be induced to do or say anything which violates personal standards of behavior or integrity. There is neither magic nor voodoo involved. Any qualified therapist can explain the actions or behaviors seen in stage, film, or television shows where the subject seems to follow directions mindlessly.

Actually, hypnosis is better described than defined. It is often considered an alternative state of consciousness featuring "selective perception"--a process in which the subject (who is in control) chooses to see only what is relevant to this task while blocking out everything else. Hypnosis involves guided concentration. The guidance, however, may be provided by a qualified practitioner or, in the case of self hypnosis, by the individual. Self hypnosis, which can be taught by a properly certified hypnotherapist and learned by virtually any client, can provide the recipient with a lifetime of benefit.

The basics of hypnosis goes back to ancient times. Those who have read Jean Auel's memorable book, "Clan Of The Cave Bear" will remember accounts of magic, healings, inherited memories, and revelations performed or created by the "Mogurs" and "medicine women" of the prehistoric clients. All of these are examples of hypnosis. In pre-colonial America, the medicine men of Native American tribes performed seeming miracles. Again this was hypnosis. Meanwhile, wider, non-secret usage began in the 1700s in several forms under different names.

There were periods of progress and periods of stagnation in the development of modern hypnosis. Medical interest and acceptance expanded following World War II when the use of hypnotherapy proved especially helpful to battlefield casualties of shock, injury, battle fatigue, and various psychological disorders. As understanding increased, hypnosis began to be recognized as an important adjunct to counseling psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, and also medical fields including neurology, obstetrics, emergency medicine, burn therapy, and others. Hypnosis is finding increased usage in dentistry and other areas where pain control is important. All humans (and possibly several animals) have two distinct minds--the conscious mind and the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is vastly larger and more powerful than the conscious mind, yet it is the least understood and used by mankind. Actually the great "unconscious" mind has two functional elements--the subconscious and the super conscious. The former is the storehouse of memory while the latter deals with the spiritual.

The subconscious mind receives and retains, neither excepting nor rejecting, all the messages we receive from our backgrounds, whether genetic, social, religious or experiential, plus all the conflicts (little or big) that enter our daily lives. When for whatever reason the conscious mind (which deals with everyday living, logic, reason, etc.) becomes overloaded, the subconscious prepares us for what is considered appropriate action (usually fight or flight). However the subconscious mind does not analyze, as does the conscious mind, but except all messages in the literal sense.

In essence hypnosis is a means of communication between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. Many human problems, habits, stresses, anxieties, attitudes or apparent deficiencies can be traced to interpretations by the subconscious mind, which, when understood by the conscious mind, can reduce or resolve specific problems. The subconscious is also the seat of all memory. Germanic events can be buried or suppressed in the subconscious. A major benefit of hypnotherapy is its ability to uncover and bring to light the understanding of buried information or experiences, which may be the cause of a troublesome disorder.

Hypnosis, or deep relaxation therapy, as it has been referred to recently, is a powerful tool that can shorten and bring about quick results. When practiced by a trained professional with clinical experience and an understanding of other clinical modalities fast and lasting results are often the case. There are many myths surrounding hypnosis, I will be dealing with many of these in our frequently asked questions section of the Web site. Please e-mail your questions and I will respond as soon as possible.